Easy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners 2025
There’s something uniquely magical about a hot bowl of soup — especially when it’s hearty, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. Welcome to your new favorite cozy dinner: Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup. This dish is a masterclass in comfort food, combining the savory satisfaction of seasoned ground beef with the creamy goodness of tender potatoes and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, cold-weather cravings, or lazy Sundays, this recipe offers a no-fuss, one-pot solution to feed the soul and the family.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or preparing for a crowd-pleasing dinner, this soup checks all the boxes: quick, simple, affordable, and packed with flavor. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again — not just because it’s easy, but because it’s irresistibly delicious.
🥄 Why You’ll Love Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
- Rich and Creamy: The velvety texture from cheese and milk or cream adds that dreamy indulgence you expect from comfort food.
- Filling and Nourishing: Loaded with protein-packed ground beef and fiber-rich potatoes, this is a meal that keeps you full.
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes, more flavor. Everything comes together in a single pot for minimal cleanup.
- Customizable: Add veggies, swap meats, adjust the spices — it’s endlessly versatile.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Stores well and reheats beautifully, making it a smart choice for make-ahead meals.
🍲 Ingredients Breakdown: What You’ll Need
Let’s explore the components that make this soup truly special.
✅ Primary Ingredients:
- Ground Beef (1 lb): The base of the flavor. Choose lean (85/15 or 90/10) for less grease.
- Diced Potatoes (4 cups): Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes offer the best texture and flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded): Sharp cheddar gives bold flavor and melts smoothly.
- Beef Broth (4 cups): For richness and umami; low-sodium is ideal to control salt.
- Whole Milk or Half-and-Half (1 cup): Adds creaminess. Use half-and-half for a thicker texture.
- Flour (2 tbsp): Helps thicken the soup when combined with butter.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps build the roux.
- Onion (1 small, chopped): Sweet base flavor and aroma.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Enhances the soup with savory depth.
🧂 Seasoning Essentials:
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- Optional Add-ons: Smoked paprika, dried thyme, or chili flakes for an extra kick.
🌿 Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley or chives: Adds color and freshness.
- Crumbled bacon or green onions: For extra indulgence and crunch.
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions:
🥘 Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
🧅 Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
🍯 Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Stir continuously to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. This step creates the thick, luscious texture.
🥣 Step 4: Add Liquid and Simmer
Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add the diced potatoes and the browned ground beef. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
🧀 Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
Turn the heat to low. Pour in the milk (or half-and-half) and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and the soup becomes rich and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
🍽️ Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives. Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a green salad.
🧑🍳 Chef’s Tips for Perfect Soup Every Time
- Cheese Tip: Shred your cheese fresh from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
- Flavor Boost: A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of Dijon mustard can deepen the beefy flavor.
- For Extra Creaminess: Blend half the soup with an immersion blender before adding the cheese.
- Thicker Texture: Add 1–2 tablespoons of cream cheese for extra richness and thickness.
🌿 Variations and Customizations
🐔 Swap the Protein:
- Use ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a new flavor profile.
- For a vegetarian version, try plant-based ground beef or lentils.
🥕 Add More Veggies:
- Corn, carrots, celery, spinach, or peas all blend beautifully with the soup.
- Roast the vegetables first for deeper flavor.
🌶️ Make It Spicy:
- Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- A touch of cayenne or hot sauce adds heat without overpowering the dish.
🧀 Try Cheese Blends:
- Blend cheddar with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, smoked gouda, or Parmesan for a more complex taste.
❄️ Storage and Reheating
🧊 To Store:
Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
❄️ To Freeze:
While the soup freezes fairly well, the texture may change slightly due to the dairy. For best results, freeze before adding milk and cheese. When reheating, stir in the dairy ingredients fresh.
🔥 To Reheat:
Reheat gently over medium heat on the stovetop or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring frequently.
📅 When to Serve This Soup
- Weeknight Family Dinner: Quick, filling, and universally loved.
- Cold Winter Evenings: Nothing beats the chill like hot cheesy soup.
- Game Day or Potluck: Serve it in a slow cooker to keep warm for hours.
- Lunch Meal Prep: Heats well and stays satisfying for midday meals.
📖 FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
❓ Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then combine all ingredients except dairy and cheese in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours. Stir in milk and cheese before serving.
❓ What’s the best way to thicken the soup?
Aside from flour, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water.
❓ Is this soup gluten-free?
It can be! Just substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend or cornstarch. Be sure your broth is gluten-free as well.
❓ Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use plant-based butter and milk (like unsweetened oat or soy milk) and substitute the cheese with a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative.
❓ What can I serve with this soup?
- Crusty artisan bread or garlic knots
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Caesar or garden salad
- Roasted brussels sprouts or asparagus
🧾 Printable Recipe Card
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups diced potatoes (Yukon gold or Russet)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley or chives, for garnish
Instructions:
- Brown beef in a large pot, drain, and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter and sauté onion. Add garlic.
- Sprinkle flour, stir for 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in broth.
- Add potatoes and beef. Simmer 15–20 mins until tender.
- Stir in milk and cheese. Season and serve hot with garnish.
📌 Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Soup Recipe
Whether you’re searching for a hearty winter meal, a weeknight dinner idea, or a way to stretch a pound of ground beef into a satisfying family meal — this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is the answer. It’s loaded with flavor, family-friendly, and endlessly adaptable.
The best part? It’s made with simple, affordable pantry ingredients you probably already have. That means you can whip up something spectacular even on a budget.
So next time you need a comforting meal that warms you from the inside out, turn to this delicious soup. It’s bound to become a repeat performer in your dinner lineup — and a recipe everyone asks for.
